The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England Board of Directors and Development Committee announce a capital campaign to fund completion of the $5 million project renovating its headquarters at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA.

The campaign seeks to raise $2 million to complete the Community Performance Center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, meetings and private banquets. The remainder has been raised through individual donations, company gifts, grants — both government and private — and an ongoing cadre of volunteer help since the ICC moved into the building in 2017.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane and Development Committee members Edward Sullivan, William Carey and Kevin O’Connor joined Mayor William Reichelt in announcing the campaign, which will officially launch in the spring of 2024. The leadership team is being assembled for the campaign.

“These past years have been a labor of love, helping to create this facility that has brought so much enjoyment to so many,” Cahillane said. “We look forward to the next step of our mission and the completion of our center.”

The facility had been vacant for five years when the ICC took possession of it from the City of West Springfield nearly seven years ago. Since then, the threadbare shell has been converted into a vibrant, Irish country-style restaurant, pub and meeting and gathering place for Patrons and the community. It includes 11,500 square feet of space on four floors. The facility has become the perfect home for the ICC, which was established in 1999.

“Our museum and library have wonderful collections. The soccer and rugby pitch is home to the Springfield Rifles Rugby Team,” Cahillane noted.

Sullivan praised the ongoing team effort between the ICC and the City of West Springfield.

“The partnership between the ICC and the city is tremendous,” said Sullivan, who is President of the West Springfield City Council, former mayor and President of the West Springfield Sister City Organization which ties the city with Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, and Valdarno, Italy.

Sullivan added, “We look forward to bringing this one-of-a-kind facility and performance center to fruition.”

Mayor Reichelt said the ICC has been a popular gathering spot for city residents and will have even more to offer when the project is complete.

“I’m thrilled to see the ICC reach the final phase of its development,” Reichelt said. “The center has become the cultural crossroads for people, especially those with Irish heritage. We’re proud to host them. I look forward to the completion of this project and the continued success of the ICC.”

O’Connor agreed, praising all those who have given time and funding to make the center the success story that it is.

“It’s exciting as we move into the final development phase of the ICC,” O’Connor said. “What an incredible amount of work has gone into the building and grounds over the past several years to provide a space for everyone in our communities to enjoy time with friends. The ICC has hosted activities and events for people to join in sharing of knowledge about their Irish heritage, to experience the Irish culture and for everyone in the region with community driven events.”

“Kicking off this capital campaign brings us the funding we need to complete the community performance center; the long-range vision by some very dedicated volunteers is coming together. I welcome everyone to learn how they can help bring this final phase to reality,” O’Connor added.

Carey spoke for all when he said, “We are looking forward to the culmination of our years-long endeavor to provide a world class venue to celebrate the Irish heritage of the people of Western New England and beyond.”

The Development Committee will formally announce the campaign in the spring of 2024.

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC. 

We are reading An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. ICC Patrons plus one guest receive 10% off food orders on Thursdays through December.

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

About An Irish Country Christmas
Barry Laverty, M.B., is looking forward to his first Christmas in the cozy village of Ballybucklebo, at least until he learns that his sweetheart, Patricia, might not be coming home for the holidays. That unhappy prospect dampens his spirits somewhat, but Barry has little time to dwell on his romantic disappointments. Christmas may be drawing nigh, but there is little peace to be found on earth, especially for a young doctor plying his trade in the emerald hills and glens of rural Ireland. Between their hectic medical practice, Rugby Club parties, and the kiddies’ Christmas Pageant, the doctors still find time to play Santa Claus. Snow is rare in Ulster, and so are miracles, but that doesn’t mean they never happen. (text from Amazon)

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
• Amazon.com (new) >
• Better Worlds Books (used) >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
January: This is Happiness by Niall Williams
February: The Whitest Flower by Brendan Graham
March: The Parish and The Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

GivingTuesday is a Global Generosity Movement on November 28, 2023. There are two ways to support the Irish Cultural Center on this day of giving! 

We are so proud of what the Irish Cultural Center has accomplished in the past 20+ years as an organization, and we look forward to expanding in the years to come with your help. The ICC is a gathering place, connecting people to each other and helping us all to preserve American-Irish heritage and culture.

Your support allows us to share Irish arts and culture in the community by providing in-person events, virtual events, and educational programming. A traditional Irish music seisiún, concerts, Irish language classes, children’s events, book readings, Irish-oriented lectures, political discussions, international relations, GAA sports, and student international exchange are all examples of what we offer, many of them free, and all available to the public.

The latest phase of construction at the ICC is our Community Performance Center.

Without financial donations, these achievements would not be realized. In these uncertain times, financial support is more vital than ever to help keep the ICC going into the future. GivingTuesday is the perfect time to make a one-time tax-deductible gift in any amount. 

This is also the perfect day to become an ICC annual Patron. A Patron is a person who has made a commitment to preserve, promote and cherish our Irish culture and heritage. The success and continued growth of the ICC is only possible because of the enthusiasm and sustaining commitment of our Patrons. Learn more about Patron levels and benefits.

We are so thankful for your support.

The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for November/December 2023 is The Island of Saints and Scholars. Takes place on Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in November/December 2023 is County Kilkenny. Takes place on Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $90 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

Celebrate the holiday season at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub with your family and friends! Enjoy a delicious meal in our beautifully decorated pub while listening to some of the area’s best Christmas music from the Tavern Carolers.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesdays
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 13: Purchase tickets online > 
• December 20: Purchase tickets online > 

Fridays
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 8: SOLD OUT 
• December 22: Purchase tickets online > 

Saturday
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 23*: SOLD OUT 

Sundays
Music 4 – 7 pm • Doors open at 3:30 pm
• December 10: Purchase tickets online > 
• December 17: Purchase tickets online > 

TO ORDER TICKETS
Advance tickets for a specific date are required. Ticket price includes a full meal with entree of your choice, soup or salad, and dessert. Meal choice must be made at the time of ticket purchase (see below for menu options). Full bar will be open for purchase.

Ticket Cost: $52 ICC Patron / $58 general public 
(Includes music, meal and server gratuity.)

*The December 23 performance includes a $20 Kids Ticket option, which comes with a kids meal of Chicken Fingers or Grilled Cheese, Fries and a Hot Fudge, Caramel or Raspberry Sundae.

Purchase tickets online (see links above), or call the restaurant at 413-342-4358. Tickets are date specific, non transferable, non refundable. We expect these shows to sell out – be sure to get your tickets soon! Please let us know if special seating accommodations are required.

MEAL OPTIONS (Each includes soup or side salad and choice of dessert)
• Sliced Pork Roast with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable
• Stuffed Haddock with Rice Pilaf and Vegetable
• Chicken Marsala with Rice Pilaf and Vegetable
• Eggplant Parmesan

The Pork, Haddock and Chicken meals can be prepared gluten free by request the day of the event.

The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for November 2023 is The Christianization of Ireland. Takes place on Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in November 2023 is County Carlow. Takes place on Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $90 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

Celebrate Halloween at the Irish Cultural Center! Stop by on Saturday, October 28 from 12–2 pm for a fun, free, family-friendly open house.

Costumes are encouraged! We will have fun activities and treats all afternoon. Irish Fulbright teacher Annie Jowett will tell stories about the origins of “Samhain” in Ireland. We will have supervised Halloween craft projects and games. Plus, there will be apple cider and Halloween treats for the kids.

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub will be open to purchase food and drinks, including a special Halloween cocktail. We encourage you to make a reservation if you would like to join us for food – please call 413-342-4358.

Join us in the new Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all, Patrons and the general public. 

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, November 9 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC. We are reading The Tour by Jean Grainger.

Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. ICC Patrons plus one guest receive 10% off food orders on Thursdays through December.

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

About The Tour

Every week, Conor O’Shea collects a new group of American visitors from Shannon Airport, from where they embark on a high end tour of the Real Ireland. But this particular tour, with its cast of unintentionally hilarious characters, presents even seasoned tour guide Conor with situations that test even his vast experience.

Among this eclectic group are Corlene, a gold digging multiple divorcee on the prowl; Patrick, a love starved Boston cop; Dylan, a goth uilleann piper; Dorothy a poisonous college professor who wouldn’t spend Christmas and Elliot, a wall street shark who finally shows his true colours.

Then there’s Ellen, back on Irish soil for the first time in eighty years, to discover a truth no-one could ever have guessed at, least of all herself.

And that’s just a few of the colourful cast. The locals they meet on their journey, West Brits, passionate musicians, Ukrainian waitresses and Garda high flyers all help to make this a tour no-one will ever forget. And of course, there’s Conor O’Shea in the thick of it all, solving problems and mending hearts, but what about his own? (text from Amazon)

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library. 
• Amazon.com (new)
• Better Worlds Books (used)

Books for Upcoming Meetings
December: An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor
January: This is Happiness by Niall Williams
February: The Whitest Flower by Brendan Graham
March: The Parish and The Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

He was not known as Dr. Moriarty to his Irish language students but simply as Tom. Although he was a scholarly man with significant history and language credentials, he was very approachable and thoroughly enjoyed every Irish language student who attended his classes in Berchmans Hall.

When he started teaching Irish to members of the public, there were not as many materials available as there are today. He used a dictionary, a Christian Brothers’ grammar, and a conversation manual to be able to construct a curriculum that became accessible to members in our western Massachusetts community. Without his leadership as well as help from George Bresnahan and Kathleen Gilhooly, very few in our area would have been introduced to the unique richness of the Irish language that is so important to our shared heritage.

I remember my first class with Tom. Our class lacked confidence, but he would begin with a proverb or an Irish placename. Rather than plowing forward with grammar, he managed to draw you in without overwhelming you with detail. Once the hook was set, there was no escaping. In many cases, the student began his lifelong journey to learn the structure of the language, develop speaking skills, and encourage others to do the same thing. Tom’s salesmanship was unassuming and low key yet very effective.

Over the years, I was lucky to become his friend. We worked together with our wonderful Elms partners to establish our existing Fulbright link, the annual Irish language day, and the recruitment of Irish language poets Nuala Ní Dhomnaill, Louis de Paor, and Darina Ní Chinnéide. None of these events would have been possible without Tom’s leadership and collaboration skills. The development of these extraordinary programs and introduction of these personalities to our community made us unique. As a result of his dedication, there are now many dedicated and capable Irish language students in the area.

I spent time last month in West Kerry with Tim Allen, a longtime friend of Tom’s, discussing what we admired about our friend. Being proud of his Holyoke and Kerry roots was very clear, but it was his personal qualities – courtesy, loyalty, curiosity and appreciation – that won us over. I would be remiss not to mention his attention to detail on preparing a proper pot of tea as well as his appreciation of a nicely drawn pint. It was a nice night reminiscing about our friend.

The following day I met two Irish speaking people from Cork who were involved with the administration of a Gaelscoil (Irish Speaking School). To be comfortable talking with those people in our shared Irish language was a wonderful gift and a reminder of Tom’s special legacy.

I thought back to that first class in Berchmans Hall and the proverb that he used. Is minic a rinne bromach gioblach capall cumasach. (A ragged colt often made a powerful horse). All of us increased our mastery of the language under his guidance. For that and for all his other kindnesses, we thank him and will not forget him.

– by Gerald Costello

The ICC was honored to welcome members of the Kerry County Council to a Mingle with Dingle reception on September 15, 2023, while they were here to meet with local leaders and to tour the Dingle Peninsula Pavilion at the Big E on opening weekend. We continue to nurture the close ties between Kerry and the Springfield, MA area.

The visiting representatives were:
• Councillor Bobby O’Connell – Chairperson of Castleisland, Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District
• Councillor Johnnie Wall – Mayor of Tralee Municipal District and Vice Chairperson of Kerry County Council
• Councillor Brendán Fitzgerald – County Councillor for Castleisland, Corca Dhuibhne
• Christy O’Connor – Director of Corporate Services, Kerry County Council and Dingle Municipal District Manager

Dingle Distillery also provided a tasting of their whiskey, vodka and gin.

Vendors, and businesses from Dingle, Ireland, are showcasing their art, crafts and products in the Dingle Peninsula Pavilion at The Big E.

ICC President Sean Cahillane welcomed Síghle Fitzgerald (Consul General of Ireland Boston) and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media) on a tour of the area and a visit to the ICC on September 17, 2023.

West Springfield’s Sister City Committee welcomed representatives from sister city Valdarno, Italy this past weekend to the ICC for a wine tasting. The wines and olive oil were all from the Tuscany region specific to Valdarno.